Surgeon reminds citizens of ways they can protect themselves during the hot summer months

Sunday

Jun 10, 2012 at 4:00 AM

By STEVEN F. HUSZAI Staff Writer

WOOSTER -- Keeping safe outdoors during warm summer weather is no laughing matter, whether practicing for a summer marathon or just mowing the lawn.

Dr. Anne Chicorelli, an orthopaedic surgeon with OSU Sports Medicine at HealthPoint, works with athletes and athletic types who enjoy outdoor workouts. Over her years in the profession, she has gathered tips and reminders for summer time.

Drinking plenty of fluids, be it water or a sports drink such as Gatorade, is always recommended before venturing outside.

"By the time you are actually thirsty, it's too late," and your body is dehydrated, Chicorelli said.

Dehydration can lead to heat stroke, heat stress or heat cramps. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking 16-32 ounces of fluids every hour, regardless of activity levels. Individuals 65 years and older along with small children are more prone to these ailments.

Heat stroke, according to the CDC, is when the body is unable to cool itself. Not sweating is a symptom of heat stroke.

Additionally, heat cramps are seen in people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity and therefore have depleted hydration levels. Heat cramps can lead to heat stress.

Chicorelli said symptoms such as dizziness and confusion can indicate heat stroke.

Chicorelli mentioned electrolytes are lost when people sweat and this leads to an imbalance within the body, causing dehydration. Electrolytes assist in the operation of all the body's major organs, she mentioned. And when they are lost and not replaced, it affects their ability to function properly, leading to these symptoms.

"Heat cramps and heat strokes are big with athletes in outdoor sporting events," she said.

More often than not, these ailments are caused by not properly hydrating beforehand. Bananas and oranges are also good sources of electrolytes she recommended. In the elderly, she said it is more imperative since they have less reserves in their body to control hydration levels.

In extreme cases, Chicorelli said people can drink too much water leading to hyponatremia, usually seen in individuals during prolonged activities such as marathons. In these cases, Chicorelli said swelling in the brain can be caused because there is a lack of electrolytes.

And food or beverages, such as alcoholic drinks or coffee, Chicorelli added. can lead to dehydration. If someone is outdoors, it is not recommended they be consumed.

Chicorelli noted it is recommended to be aware of ticks or other insects which can bite, should you be working in a forest or outdoors; dress appropriately; and apply sunscreen. Also avoid intense activity or exercise during the warmest hours of the day, between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., she added.

"The key is to replenish electrolytes and fluids," she said, "regardless if you feel thirsty."

Reporter Steve Huszai can be reached at 330-287-1645 or shuszai@the-daily-record.com. He is @GeneralSmithie on Twitter.